Scientists May Have Stopped a Form of Inherited Blindness in Dogs

 

A recent study conducted at the University of Cambridge, has shined a new light and possible new way of prevention to Progressive Retinal Atrophy also known as PRA in dogs. Once effected dogs will become completely blind over time. With the help of a genetic test, dogs who carry the gene for PRA can be tested early on and allow for breeders to know not to breed that dog and prevent the passing along to future puppies. 

The study conducted consisted of 6 English Shepherd's who have PRA and 20 English Shepherds who do not have it. They looked for genes that were linked to PRA. It was discovered that the problematic gene is recessive, so in order for the offspring to be effected both parents must be carriers. Now the issues still present is many dogs are inbred increasing the possibility of breeding's resulting in the disease being passed on. 

With the information from this study a swap which you use to swab the inside of the dogs mouth has been created so owners can test there dogs to see if they carry this DNA before breeding. There is no cure for this type of blindness however the hope is to identify and prevent further spreading of these genes to offspring, potentially one day eliminating it all together. 

I think this is a great concept. Being proactive with testing dogs before breeding is key into producing healthy offspring. Working in the veterinary medicine field, it is always heart breaking to see dogs come in and owners learn that there dog is going blind. It changes a lot for both pet and owner. Helping prevent the possible spread of PRA is great, it a simple swap test it accessible to all. 

Links:

https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2024-07-22/scientists-may-have-stopped-a-form-of-inherited-blindness-in-dogs

https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/progressive-retinal-atrophy#:~:text=PRA%20is%20a%20non%2Dpainful,a%20good%20quality%20of%20life.